Media Credential Request

Credentialed media representatives are defined as individuals of officially established news organizations and are attending the event for the primary purpose of gathering information, photographs, video or audio for timely editorial, journalistic reporting and news coverage. Credentialed outlets include established newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and widely recognized digital media organizations that regularly cover high school athletics and maintain professional editorial standards. 

Eligibility for working media credentials:

• The organization has an established history of gathering and publishing news or sports information for public audiences for a minimum of one year.
• The organization operates as an established news organization.
• The organization regularly produces original journalistic content rather than sharing content produced by schools, teams, families, or other media organizations.
• The organization maintains identifiable editorial oversight through an editor, publisher, news director, sports director, producer or other individual responsible for editorial decisions and journalistic professional standards.
• Membership in a journalism, photography, writers', broadcasters' or other professional association does not automatically qualify an individual or organization for media credentials.

Qualifying organizations may include:

• Daily or weekly newspapers and other established news publications;
• Television stations and recognized television news organizations that are contracted or rights-holding broadcast partners;
• Radio stations and recognized sports/news broadcast organizations;
• Wire services and professional news agencies;
• Established digital news organizations that regularly produce original news or sports journalism;
• Recognized regional, statewide or national sports media organizations; and
• Other news organizations determined by Midlothian ISD to meet the intent and standards of these guidelines.

Registration for Game Day Photography is only for professional photographers who are not employed by a media outlet such as a newspaper or established website. Parent volunteers will need to obtain football credentials through the appropriate group (Campus Head Football Coach, Band Director, Drill Team Director).

The Midlothian ISD Athletic Department charges Field Access Fees of $150 for single game access and $500 for season access to our Multi-Purpose Stadium football venue. This fee must be paid before accessing the event. Fees may be paid online through Hometown ticketing.

This category may include:

• Independent, freelance or commercial photographers, videographers or writers who are not on assignment for an eligible news organization
• Individuals creating content for commercial sale, promotion or personal use

Game Day photographers may request credentials; however, access and field-level privileges may be limited or denied based on available space, safety considerations, and the requestors demonstrated reach, editorial oversight, and history of covering Midlothian ISD events. 

Agencies not eligible for athletic event sideline access include:

• Spouses, guests, or children of credential holders
• Person writing or gathering information for books and/or documentaries
• Recruiting services, agents or scouts
• Social media influencers, regardless of reach
   

The district has established these guidelines to provide reasonable access to working journalists while maintaining safe, secure and orderly athletic venues and protecting designated areas necessary for student-athletes, officials, event personnel and authorized media. Because space and field or court access at athletic venues may be limited, priority credentials may be granted to representatives of major regional or statewide media outlets with a demonstrated history of consistent coverage. 

Live streaming or broadcasting of Midlothian ISD athletic UIL events is prohibited by media credentialed individuals.